What the Critics Are Saying About Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'

Between two failed TV shows and years of waiting for the fairytale classic to be perfect, spellbound fans of all ages have been eagerly anticipating a live-action remake of the beloved and Oscar-winning Disney animated film, Beauty and the Beast.

Variety reports that the Disney live-action film has already performed exceptionally well with reports that state the film waltzed to the tune of $64.2 million on Friday spanning a little more than 4,200 locations. Its three-day estimate now stands at a potentially record-breaking $170 million.

But no matter how much it ranks in over the weekend or how impressive the cast is, is the film actually any good? It was one of the first animated films to ever get nominated for an Oscar, but will that nostalgia hold up over time like its 1991 version? Here is what the critics are saying before you head to the movies:

Seattle Times: “The new film’s opening moments include a giant 3D red rose that seemed on the verge of beautifully devouring the audience, the irresistible spectacle of Dan Stevens’ Prince (pre-Beast) sprawled louchely on a gleaming throne as throngs of exquisitely gowned women whirl on a dance floor, and the glorious gilded-bird trill of Audra McDonald’s operatic soprano. It was gorgeous, it was over-the-top to the point of absurdity — and just like that, I was all in.”

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “The attention to detail in this film is exquisite, from the gold flakes on Belle's ballroom gown to the 'Fantasia'-like theatrics of the 'Be Our Guest' feast. All of the acting heavy hitters truly bring those inanimate objects to life.”

Chicago Sun-Times: “Bill Condon's take on 'Beauty and the Beast' is almost overwhelmingly lavish, beautifully staged, and performed with exquisite timing and grace by the outstanding cast.”

San Jose Mercury News: “If you're looking for any great departure from or updating of the animated version, don't bother. This 'Beauty and the Beast' doesn't have that. But it does have Emma Watson, and that's enough.”

Vox: “What they've created is a loving homage to a classic, but also a new chapter that really embodies the spirit of the story's heroine and what we love so much about that story.”

Variety: “It’s a lovingly crafted movie, and in many ways a good one, but before that it’s an enraptured piece of old-is-new nostalgia. The sheer curiosity factor exerts a uniquely intense lure.”

The New York Post: “Really, everybody wins. If you want your old favorite dressed in sumptuous new clothes, that’s what you’ll get. Those who always desired a little more depth from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be happy, too: There’s something there that wasn’t there before.”

What do you think, Womanistas? Will you be watching the film this weekend?

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Tania Hussain is a native of Toronto and a Hoosier at heart, studying journalism at Ball State University in Indiana. She has a mad love for fine cheese, film, music, and meeting people upon her many travels. When Tania’s not writing at Womanista, she can be found going for long nature runs, rooting for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Cardinals, photographing sights and food, or writing for her online magazine, The Hudsucker. She is also a member of the Indy-based, Society of Professional Journalists—one of the oldest organizations in the U.S. that promotes and represents journalists.

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